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Independent Singapore
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Thousands, including PAP MPs, WP MPs and Li Huanwu, gather to celebrate Pink Dot 2025
SINGAPORE: Thousands of supporters gathered at Hong Lim Park on Saturday (28 June) for the 17th edition of Pink Dot SG, Singapore's annual rally in support of the LGBTQ+ community. This year's theme, 'Different Stories, Same Love,' set the tone for a warm atmosphere as participants waved pink flags, posed for photos, and shared personal stories celebrating love in all its forms. The event, a fixture in Singapore's civic calendar, saw a presence from both sides of the political aisle. From the People's Action Party (PAP), Potong Pasir SMC MP Alex Yeo and Sembawang GRC MP Ng Shi Xuan were seen mingling with attendees. The Workers' Party (WP) was represented by Sengkang GRC MPs Louis Chua and He Ting Ru, both of whom declined to speak to the media. Among the crowd were familiar faces including Li Huanwu and his husband Heng Yirui. Mr Li, the son of Lee Hsien Yang and grandson of Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights in recent years. Speaking to the media, Pink Dot spokesman Clement Tan said this year's rally aimed to look beyond the present and inspire future generations. A highlight of the afternoon was the unveiling of a time capsule on site, containing nearly 70 items donated by community members — from jewellery and clothing to letters and mementos. 'This time capsule serves as a reminder of the love and resilience that has carried us this far,' Mr Tan said, 'We want to send a message of hope to future Singaporeans: that all forms of love are valid and that our relationships should be celebrated equally.' The capsule will remain sealed until 2050, when organisers hope it will be opened as a testament to how far Singapore has come in embracing diversity.
Straits Times
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Time capsule of 60 items sealed at Pink Dot 2025, to be opened in 2050
This is the third Pink Dot SG rally since Singapore repealed Section 377A. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Time capsule of 60 items sealed at Pink Dot 2025, to be opened in 2050 SINGAPORE - Thousands adorned in pink gathered at Hong Lim Park on June 28 in celebration of love in all forms at the annual Pink Dot SG rally. Rainy weather did not dampen the spirit of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community and supporters who attended the 17th edition of the rally. Among the politicians spotted at the event included PAP MPs Alex Yeo and Ng Shi Xuan, as well as Workers' Party MPs He Ting Ru and Louis Chua. A time capsule of more than 60 items – from everyday objects to cherished heirlooms – was sealed at the event. The capsule was designed by local artist Nichole Ho. These items include a chest binder, passed on from one person going through their gender journey to another, and a phone pouch that had held the first phone used for the Oogachaga counselling hotline set up almost two decades ago for the queer community. Mr Bhaskaran, who provided only one name, and his partner Sam contributed their marriage certificate to the time capsule. The pair got married in 2025 in San Francisco. Their hope is that queer couples will one day be able to legally marry on home soil. Mr Bhaskaran also contributed a set of cutlery to the capsule, which symbolises his mother's journey to embracing Sam. She was once unsure of the couple, but now shows her acceptance, especially at the dinner table. The fork and spoon set is the only set of cutlery regularly used in the home by Sam, as the rest of the family eats with their hands. This is the third Pink Dot SG rally since Singapore repealed Section 377A, the law that criminalised gay sex. Ms Opera Tang, one of the speakers at the event, submitted the first headdress she made, which was worn during her debut drag performance at Pink Dot in 2021. Ms Tang spoke about how the headdress was styled together with her grandmother, who expressed her quiet support for her drag journey through craft. 'Ah Ma doesn't say things like 'queer' or 'drag'. But she says, 'jiak ba buay?' (Teochew for 'Have you eaten?'), which is how she says 'I love you', she said. The items were sealed into the time capsule, with the last being a picture of the crowd gathered at the Speakers' Corner. Thousands adorned in pink gathered at Hong Lim Park on June 28 in celebration of love in all forms at the annual Pink Dot SG rally. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Those who want to read the stories behind each item inside the time capsule can do so at The capsule will be opened in 2050. The year symbolises the new generation of LGBTQ+ Singaporeans and represents hope for the future, said Pink Dot's organisers. Pink Dot spokesman Clement Tan said: 'This time capsule serves as a reminder of the love and resilience that has carried us this far. We want to send a message of hope to future Singaporeans: that all forms of love are valid and that our relationships should be celebrated equally.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
